Local NHS appoints new Chief Executive

NHS HMR Chairman John Pierce welcomes new Chief Executive Julie Higgins

NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale has announced the appointment of Dr Julie Higgins as its new Chief Executive.

Dr Higgins joins NHS HMR after ten years working in Salford - eight of those at NHS Salford where she became Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Public Health.

Dr Mike Burrows, Chief Executive at NHS Salford, said: “During her time at Salford, Julie's achievements have included the creation of neighbourhood-based health improvement teams, the redesign of Salford’s sexual health service and developing a consortium of GPs to improve the quality of care for patients whilst reducing costs. We wish her all the very best in her future career and would like to thank her personally for her tremendous contribution to the success of NHS Salford."

Dr Higgins, who started her career as a Health Promotion Officer in Oldham, said: “Salford was a fantastic place to work but it’s time for new challenges and I am thrilled to be joining NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale. The organisation has a very positive future and I am looking forward to being part of that.”

John Pierce, Chairman at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, said: “We are delighted to welcome Julie as our new Chief Executive. I have every confidence that she will bring her vast experience to take on the health issues and opportunities in the borough.”

Dr Higgins replaces former Chief Executive Trevor Purt who left the organisation in September to join NHS Wales. She will begin her post in the New Year.